Antique Chinese Bronze Guardian Lions Foo Dogs Pair c1900-1925 Qing Republic

A superb and substantial antique pair of Chinese cast bronze guardian lions, traditionally known in the West as Foo or Fu Dogs, dating to approximately c.1900–1925, around the late Qing Dynasty / early Republic period.

This complementary male and female pair follows the traditional Chinese guardian-lion arrangement. One lion rests its paw upon a decorative brocade ball, while its companion is depicted with a small cub beneath its paw.

Both lions are exceptionally detailed, with powerful expressive faces, tightly curled spiral manes, elaborate collars, pendant ornaments, flowing tails and finely modelled paws.

Particularly attractive is the naturally aged bronze surface. Rich dark brown and warm bronze tones are interspersed with extensive blue-green verdigris and oxidation, especially within the recessed decoration, mane, collars and around the feet. Raised areas show contrasting wear and warmer bronze colouring.

The undersides are closed rather than open, and the pair are remarkably substantial for their relatively compact dimensions, weighing more than 2.16 kg combined.

A closely comparable example of essentially the same model, with remarkably similar dimensions and approximately 1 kg weight per lion, has been professionally attributed to early 20th-century China, circa 1920s. On this basis, together with the construction, surface and wear of this pair, a date of approximately 1900–1925 appears reasonable. As with unmarked antique bronzes, the dating should be regarded as an informed attribution rather than a documented provenance.

Approximate dimensions of each lion:

Height: 15.5 cm
Length: 15 cm
Width: 9 cm

Individual weights:

Lion 1: 1,040 g
Lion 2: 1,122 g

Combined weight: 2,162 g

Condition

Good antique condition with a wonderfully developed surface patina.

There is age-related wear, oxidation, verdigris, colour variation, small surface marks and casting irregularities throughout, all consistent with their age and manufacture. These characteristics have deliberately not been cleaned or polished, preserving the attractive aged appearance of the bronze.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition, patination and individual characteristics of both pieces.

A particularly handsome and substantial pair, suitable for a collection of Chinese antiques, Asian bronze sculpture or traditional decorative arts.